The Independent Spirit Awards Nominations have been released, and it’s not too surprising that leading the way is Todd Haynes lesbian-themed Carol lead the way with six nods. As many expect the films to make a good showing at the Oscar, it was also bound to do well with the US’s leading Indie gongs.

The movie, which reaches UK cinemas this Friday (November 27th), follows Cate Blanchett’s title character, a married woman who embarks on an affair with younger shop assistant Therese (Rooney Mara). Ever since its Cannes debut the movie has been winning huge amounts of praise, which continues here. You can read our review here.

Carol wasn’t the only LGBT-themed movie that did well, as the micro-budget Tangerine picked up four nomination, for Best Feature, Best Director, Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress. It marks the first time a female trans woman has been nominated in the Best Actress category (Harmony Santana was the first trans nominee, in the Best Supporting Actress category in 2012).

Kitana Kiki Rodriguez is the one with the Best Actress nom, while the excellent Mya Taylor is honoured in the Best Supporting Actress category.

While earlier in the year it looked like other indie LGBT movies such as Freeheld and About Ray might get some awards love, lukewarm critical reaction and the fact they’ve been shut out from the Independent Spiritt Awards – the one place they’d get noms even if they were ignored elsewhere – suggests that won’t be happening.

Take a look below for the full list on Independent Spirit Award nominees: